WASHINGTON (CNN) – Under fire for his claim that the GOP health care plan calls for sick people to "die quickly," Rep. Alan Grayson finally apologized - but not to Republicans.

"Last night, I gave a speech, and I'm not going to recount everything I said, but after that speech, several Republicans asked me to apologize," the Florida Democrat said in a defiant speech on the House floor Wednesday. "I would like to apologize."

Grayson then pointed to a Harvard study that reported more than 44,000 Americans die yearly because they lack health insurance. "That is ten times more than the number of Americans who have died in Iraq and who died in 9/11," he said. "But that was just once. This is every single year. That's right. Every single year. Take a look at this. Read it and weep."

"I apologize to the dead and their families that we haven't voted sooner to end this holocaust in America," he concluded.

House Republicans initially wanted to introduce a resolution condemning Grayson for breaching House decorum with his remarks on Tuesday night, but the resolution's sponsor, Rep. Tom Price of Georgia, decided on Wednesday not to introduce the resolution and instead asked for Grayson to apologize to House GOP leadership.

Grayson refused to do so, and Republicans were quick to blast him for it.

"Alan Grayson not only refuses to apologize, he is doubling down on his despicable remarks and he is dragging his party with him," said Ken Spain, a spokesman for the National Republican Congressional Committee, which is targeting Grayson in next year's midterm election. "This is an individual who has established a pathological pattern of unstable behavior. He is derailing the national debate on healthcare reform and embarrassing his constituents as a result.

Spain also called on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to "end her silence and demand an apology."

soundoff(318 Responses)

Thank you Alan Grayson, for speaking the obvious truth to America. Shouldn't that be the proper and expected thing from the House of Representatives?

September 30, 2009 07:39 pm at 7:39 pm |

crabbylucy

I wonder if a death certificate has ever been filed with the reason for death being "lack of health care".

September 30, 2009 07:40 pm at 7:40 pm |

Megan P.

Alan Grayson is truly insane! He's unfit and incapable of representing the American people. I sincerely hope that he seeks the psychiatric help for which he is all but crying out.

September 30, 2009 07:41 pm at 7:41 pm |

Jeremy

It is still amazing that so many people believe that more Republicans are in the pockets of the insurance companies than Democrats. 6 out of 10 dollars in insurance lobybying efforts according to a businessweek goes to the Democratic party (which makes sense since they are the majority).

September 30, 2009 07:41 pm at 7:41 pm |

Nick

I think the repubs should hear an apology. I see no reason for Mr. Grayson to do it so let me. i'm sorry you were exposed to the truth. Im also really sorry you cannot see the difference between this and calling our President a liar. I'm sorry you smiled smugly and gloated when people screamed death panels and socialized medicine at your town hall meetings and let it happen. You have given up any claim to the high ground Mr repub so lets man up or shut up. Nick from Idaho

September 30, 2009 07:42 pm at 7:42 pm |

Eric williams

no death panel theory created as scare tactics
just the facts held clearly in his hand by legitimate research
organizations.thousands of children in this with serious illnesses
and we spend trillions fighting a made-up war.
we can do better if we come together and take care of
our domestic problems–health care, reliable energy and
education.no matter who says it the truth is what matters.
we have been robbed of trillions of dollars by wall street
but we are willing to let others suffer because it may cost us
a few dollars more.

September 30, 2009 07:42 pm at 7:42 pm |

joe

he's right. the facts are the facts!

September 30, 2009 07:42 pm at 7:42 pm |

Wade

Talk about astro-turf...
Nice try congressman, but this has been an issue for decades.
Attempting to blame the current health care problems solely on the Republican party is beyond hypocritical.

And I suggest the congressman read all the proposals that have been presented to congress by BOTH parties.
There are plenty of Republican bills that mirror bills from the Dems.
They just refuse to include a public option.

September 30, 2009 07:42 pm at 7:42 pm |

John K.

I look forward to working for and contributing to Grayson's defeat in '10. Enjoy it while it lasts, Congressman! You're about to get fired!

September 30, 2009 07:43 pm at 7:43 pm |

g

its about time go democrates – theres one politican the heatlh insurance don,t own – i mean paper shufflers don,t own

September 30, 2009 07:43 pm at 7:43 pm |

SamSunny

Every day the Republicans say something really terrible about Obama and the Democrats. Basically, the Democrats just sit there and take their abuse. Now, for once they are getting a taste of their own medicine....and listen to them howl.

September 30, 2009 07:44 pm at 7:44 pm |

Mike in NYC

Doesn't he know that the word "holocaust" is copywritten?

September 30, 2009 07:45 pm at 7:45 pm |

Calidan

YES! Please show more backbone, Democrats! Don't let Republican misbehavior be, point it out and work to do the right thing.

September 30, 2009 07:46 pm at 7:46 pm |

JBS

Stand your ground Rep. Alan Grayson…….you are soooo right.

I watch you on CNN your awesome keep up the good work. Stay strong and dont let the Republican push you around.

September 30, 2009 07:46 pm at 7:46 pm |

carlos, THAT one

apologize to the repugnant leadership?????? NOT IN A MIILION YEARS....those parasites deserve nothing

September 30, 2009 07:50 pm at 7:50 pm |

Buck12

Just keep doing what you're doing Libs, you're guaranteeing a landslide GOP victory in the next election. Americans have had enough of the liberal agenda, i'll give it another 6 months until Obama is as unpopular as Bush was.

September 30, 2009 07:51 pm at 7:51 pm |

United Health CEO

Alan is our hero! WTG keep up the pressure!

September 30, 2009 07:52 pm at 7:52 pm |

Laurie , New York City

You go GRAYSON! Thank you for telling what the Republicans are really about!